- South Dartmoor back to winning ways in cups
- Tom Allin tournament raised more than £5,000 for air ambulance
- Taverners kit bag delivered to Sri Lankan youngsters
- Devon trying to contact the class of 56
- Paceman Tshepo running in Virgin London Marathon
- Five Devon women in Western Storm squad for Kia Super League
- Registration night for all ages at Topsham on Monday
- Lots pouring in for auction at Allin Memorial tournament
- Thames Valley Gentlemen Cricket Club
- Bradninch add Argentinian flavour to Devon League
- Ipplepen youth registration night on Friday
- Final call for Groundsmans first seminar this year
- Devon League official tackling London Marathon for charity
- Bovey on familiar territory in Aaron Printers Cup
- Brockman Cup - Cup Kings lie in wait for holders
- Shepherd Trust helps Kingsbridge build for sustainable future
- DCL - Umpire Appointments 2016 (May 7th - July 2nd)
- Long standing records beaten
- North Devon see off Paignton chase
EXMOUTH have brought in former Somerset and Devon seamer Ian Bishop for today’s Servicemaster T20 finals day appointment with Plymouth at Plympton.
Exmouth, who beat Paignton in last year’s final at Exeter are without Devon paceman Trevor Anning, who is with the county side at Finchampstead. Bishop plays for Staplegrove in Somerset on Saturdays.
Exmouth got through the regional final at Budleigh Salterton three weeks ago by beating Seaton then Sidmouth.
Gary Chappell, who skippered the side to last season’s T20 title, said Exmouth are upbeat about their chances.
“We have played really well in T20 for the last season and a half - and it suits the way we play,” said Chappell.
“We are confident going into Sunday but by no means expect it to be an easy game against Plymouth, who will no doubt be up for it and have some players who will be useful in this format.”
Plymouth captain Sam Stein has left selection until the last minute to take account of availability issues.
Whatever side Plymouth put out, Stein feels they have a chance.
“We have a good, young side to play T20 and are all looking forward to the day,” said Stein.
“Anything can happen in this format of the game and we feel that we have players suited to it.”
The other semi-final is between North Devon, they beat Hatherleigh to get there, and Torquay, who overcame Bovey Tracey in the South Devon group.
North Devon are handicapped by the absence of Devon duo Max Curtis and skipper Barney Huxtable.
A further blow is the non-availability of big-hitter Dan Bowser.
Batter Stefan James, spinner Matt Dart and second-teamer Joe Kelly come in with Tom Allin leading the side.
Huxtable said North Devon’s not-so-secret weapon is Josh King, who has been adding lower-order runs to regular wickets in recent games.
“Josh is our danger man as he has been hitting the ball really cleanly lately and also bowling with great control,” said Huxtable.
“I feel Exmouth will be favourites, but T20 is a funny game and it only takes one person to come off and they can win you a game.”
Torquay are also hit by county calls, which rule out Matt Thompson and Ryan Stevenson.
Batter Ollie Pitts and all-rounder Bertus Loots are also missing, as are a clutch of potential 2nd XI replacements.
‘To be involved in a finals day reflects the fact that we have a strong squad of players and shows how far we’ve come this year,’ said Torquay captain Justin Yau.
‘Let’s hope the weather holds.’
The winners will go on to represent Devon in the ECB National T20 competition.
Exmouth won the West group last season before bowing out in the last four nationally to Ashtead from Surrey.
The action starts at 10.30am. The bar will be open from noon and there will be an all-day barbecue running to keep everyone fed.